Generation and reactions of bis(arylmethylene)propanethione.

The reaction of bis(arylmethylene)propanone and P4S10 gave 3,8-bis(2-arylvinyl)-5,6-diaryl-2,9-dithia-1-phosphabicyclo[4.3.0]nona-3,7-diene 1-sulfide. Upon heating, the sulfide generated the title compound which was trapped by various dienophiles as [4+2]cycloadducts.